U.S. patent application number 11/536721 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-05 for electroluminescent device.
This patent application is currently assigned to KYOCERA CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Chiaki Domoto.
Application Number | 20070076141 11/536721 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37901535 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070076141 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Domoto; Chiaki |
April 5, 2007 |
ELECTROLUMINESCENT DEVICE
Abstract
An electroluminescent device includes, for example, first to
third optical output parts respectively corresponding to red,
green, and blue colors and each having a light-emitting layer. A
visibility spectrum curve has an inclination value corresponding to
the first optical output part, an inclination value corresponding
to the second optical output part, and an inclination value
corresponding to the third optical output part. Each inclination
value corresponds to an emission peak wavelength at which an
emission spectrum of a light ray emitted from the light-emitting
layer of the corresponding optical output part reaches a maximum
intensity value. The inclination values have the following
relationship: first optical output part >second optical output
part >third optical output part. The emission spectra of the
optical output parts have widths in the following relationship:
first optical output part >second optical output part >third
optical output part.
Inventors: |
Domoto; Chiaki; (Shiga,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VOLPE AND KOENIG, P.C.
UNITED PLAZA, SUITE 1600
30 SOUTH 17TH STREET
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103
US
|
Assignee: |
KYOCERA CORPORATION
6 Takeda Tabadono-cho, Fushimi-ku
Kyoto
JP
|
Family ID: |
37901535 |
Appl. No.: |
11/536721 |
Filed: |
September 29, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
349/69 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01L 51/5265 20130101;
H01L 27/3211 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
349/069 |
International
Class: |
G02F 1/1335 20060101
G02F001/1335 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 30, 2005 |
JP |
2005-287768 |
Claims
1. An electroluminescent device comprising: first and second
optical output parts emitting light rays having different
wavelengths, each optical output part having a light-emitting layer
and a resonator structure that resonates light emitted from the
light-emitting layer, wherein a visibility spectrum curve has a
first inclination value corresponding to the first optical output
part and a second inclination value corresponding to the second
optical output part, the second inclination value being greater
than the first inclination value at an emission peak wavelength at
which an emission spectrum of the light ray emitted from the
light-emitting layer of the corresponding optical output part
reaches a maximum intensity value, and wherein the emission
spectrum of the second optical output part has a larger width than
that of the first optical output part.
2. The electroluminescent device according to claim 1, wherein, in
each of the first and second optical output parts, a resonant
wavelength at which a transmission spectrum of light transmitted
through the resonator structure in a direction perpendicular to a
main surface of the light-emitting layer reaches a maximum value is
defined as a resonant peak wavelength, the resonant peak wavelength
is set substantially equal to the emission peak wavelength.
3. The electroluminescent device according to claim 2, wherein, in
each of the first and second optical output parts, the emission
peak wavelength of the corresponding color is within a wavelength
range of the transmission spectrum that corresponds to 95% or more
of the maximum value of the transmission spectrum.
4. The electroluminescent device according to claim 1, wherein the
width of each emission spectrum is a width value thereof at a
position where the intensity of the emission spectrum is half the
maximum value.
5. The electroluminescent device according to claim 1, wherein each
resonator structure includes one or more layers interposed between
a pair of electrodes that are disposed on opposite sides of the
corresponding light-emitting layer in a thickness direction
thereof.
6. The electroluminescent device according to claim 1, further
comprising a substrate on which the first and second optical output
parts are disposed; and a sealing film which covers the first and
second optical output parts and transmits the light rays emitted
from the first and second optical output parts, and wherein the
sealing film is included in the resonator structures.
7. The electroluminescent device according to claim 1, further
comprising a transparent substrate on which the first and second
optical output parts are disposed, the transparent substrate
transmitting the light rays emitted from the first and second
optical output parts, and wherein the transparent substrate is
included in the resonator structures.
8. The electroluminescent device according to claim 1, wherein the
resonator structures include all layers and components through
which the light rays emitted from the first and second optical
output parts are transmitted before being output outward.
9. The electroluminescent device according to claim 1, further
comprising a third optical output part emitting a light ray having
a wavelength that is different from the wavelengths of the light
rays emitted by the first and second optical output parts, the
third optical output part having a light-emitting layer and a
resonator structure that resonates light emitted from the
light-emitting layer, wherein the visibility spectrum curve has a
third inclination value corresponding to the third optical output
part, the inclination value at an emission peak wavelength at which
an emission spectrum of the light ray emitted from the
light-emitting layer of the third optical output part reaches a
maximum intensity value, the third inclination value being greater
than the second inclination value, and wherein the emission
spectrum of the third optical output part has a larger width than
that of the second optical output part.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-287768, filed
Sep. 30, 2005, entitled"ELECTROLUMINESCENT DEVICE." The contents of
this application are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to electroluminescent devices
that perform multicolor light emission.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Generally, an electroluminescent device has a plurality of
optical output parts, each including a light-emitting layer and a
resonator structure that resonates light emitted from the
light-emitting layer. The resonator structure includes, for
example, electrodes having the light-emitting layer interposed
therebetween. A resonant wavelength of the light resonated by the
resonator structure changes in accordance with an output angle of
the light output from the electroluminescent device. Thus, the
intensity of the light output from the electroluminescent device
changes in accordance with the output angle of the light.
[0006] In an electroluminescent device that performs multicolor
light emission, an intensity ratio among the multiple color light
rays output from the respective optical output parts constituting
pixels of the respective colors fluctuates in accordance with the
output angle of the light rays, thus leading to color shifts in
which the luminescent colors vary depending on the output angle
(viewing direction).
[0007] However, in a typical electroluminescent device, the
countermeasure against color shifts is insufficient, and therefore,
color-shift prevention still needs to be improved.
[0008] Furthermore, since the sensitivity of the human eye (i.e.
visibility) varies depending on the wavelength, it is necessary to
prevent color shifts in view of the visibility.
[0009] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide an electroluminescent device that can suppress the
occurrence of color shifts in the luminescent colors when the
viewing direction changes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] An electroluminescent device according to the present
invention includes first and second optical output parts emitting
light rays having different wavelengths, and each optical output
part has a light-emitting layer and a resonator structure that
resonates light emitted from the light-emitting layer. A visibility
spectrum curve has a first inclination value corresponding to the
first optical output part and a second inclination value
corresponding to the second optical output part, and the second
inclination value is greater than the first inclination value at an
emission peak wavelength at which an emission spectrum of the light
ray emitted from the light-emitting layer of the corresponding
optical output part reaches a maximum intensity value. The emission
spectrum of the second optical output part has a larger width than
that of the first optical output part.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a relationship between
characteristics of a resonator structure included in an
electroluminescent device and a light output direction;
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a transmission spectrum of the resonator
structure;
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates an emission spectrum of an organic
layer;
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates relationships among an emission spectrum
of the organic layer, a transmission spectrum of the resonator
structure, and an output spectrum of output light;
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates relationships among the emission
spectrum, the transmission spectrum, and the output spectrum when
the output direction is slanted;
[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates a visibility spectrum;
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates the degree of change in perceived
intensities of light rays of corresponding colors when an output
angle changes;
[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates relationships between the output angle
and the perceived intensities of the corresponding colors;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an
electroluminescent device according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating
first to third optical output parts included in the
electroluminescent device shown in FIG. 9;
[0021] FIG. 11 illustrates relationships between emission spectra
and transmission spectra of the corresponding colors in the
electroluminescent device shown in FIG. 9;
[0022] FIG. 12 illustrates the emission spectra of the first to
third optical output parts included in the electroluminescent
device shown in FIG. 9;
[0023] FIG. 13 illustrates the degree of change in perceived
intensities of the corresponding colors when an output angle
changes in the electroluminescent device shown in FIG. 9;
[0024] FIG. 14 illustrates relationships between the output angle
and the perceived intensities of the corresponding colors in the
electroluminescent device shown in FIG. 9;
[0025] FIG. 15 shows emission spectra of first to third optical
output parts included in an electroluminescent device according to
another embodiment of the present invention; and
[0026] FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an
electroluminescent device according to a modified embodiment of the
present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] (Description of Terms)
[0028] In this specification, the term "perceived intensity" refers
to the intensity of light that is actually perceived by a person
when the light enters an eye of the person. Therefore, a perceived
intensity does not indicate a mere intensity of light, but rather
indicates an intensity of light determined in view of the effect of
visibility, that is, the sensitivity of the human eye.
[0029] (Principle of How Color Shifts Occur)
[0030] Before describing embodiments of the present invention
below, the principle of how color shifts occur will be described
first.
[0031] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a relationship between
characteristics of a resonator structure included in an
electroluminescent device and a light output direction.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, an electroluminescent device 1
has an optical output part 10 including an organic layer 3. The
organic layer 3 includes a light-emitting layer that produces
electroluminescence, and has opposite surfaces that function as
reflective surfaces 5, 7 defined by, for example, electrodes. The
reflective surfaces 5, 7 constitute a resonator structure 9. Thus,
light output towards a viewer from the electroluminescent device 1
is a combination of a light component emitted by the organic layer
3 and transmitted through the reflective surface 5 without being
reflected by the reflective surfaces 5, 7, and a light component
emitted by the organic layer 3 and transmitted through the
reflective surface 5 after being reflected one or more times by the
reflective surfaces 5, 7. Each of the reflective surfaces 5, 7 is
an interface at which the refractive index changes significantly.
For example, each of the reflective surfaces 5, 7 may be defined by
an electrode, or may be a surface of an adjustment layer for
adjusting light transmission characteristics, a surface of a
sealing film for sealing the organic layer 3, or a surface of a
glass substrate (i.e. transparent substrate). On the other hand,
the optical output part 10 comprises the organic layer 3 that emits
light and the resonator structure 9 provided on an optical path of
the light emitted from the organic layer 3.
[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the resonator structure 9 has
characteristics in which the optical path of the light combined in
and released from the resonator structure 9 varies depending on an
output direction D1 of light to be output from the
electroluminescent device 1 and a resonant wavelength changes in
accordance with the optical path. In other words, FIGS. 1A and 1B
show an optical path A in which light is not reflected and an
optical path B in which light is reflected once when the light
output direction D1 changes. FIG. 1A corresponds to a case where
the light output direction D1 is parallel to a front direction D2,
which is perpendicular to an emission plane of the
electroluminescent device 1. FIG. 1B corresponds to a case where
the light output direction D1 is slanted with respect to the front
direction D2. An optical-path difference between the optical paths
A and B is reduced as an output angle .theta. increases, whereby
the resonant wavelength shifts towards a shorter wavelength side in
response to the increase in the output angle .theta.. Accordingly,
a transmission spectrum, which is obtained when the light emitted
from the organic layer 3 passes through the resonator structure 9,
changes from a state indicated by a solid line in FIG. 2 to a state
indicated by a dotted line as the output angle .theta. increases.
In this case, the term"output angle .theta." refers to a slanted
angle of the light output direction D1 with respect to the front
direction D2.
[0034] An emission spectrum of light emitted by the organic layer 3
is determined on the basis of material characteristics of the
organic layer 3, and has, for example, a pattern shown in FIG. 3.
The emission spectrum is fixed regardless of the output angle
.theta. of light output in the light output direction D1. Reference
numeral .lamda.1 in FIG. 3 indicates an emission peak wavelength
corresponding to a maximum value of the emission spectrum. The term
"emission peak wavelength" will be used hereinafter to indicate a
wavelength at which an emission spectrum reaches a maximum
value.
[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates relationships among an emission spectrum
of light emitted by the organic layer 3, a transmission spectrum
indicating a proportion of the light emitted from the organic layer
3 that is output outward via the resonator structure 9, and an
output spectrum of light that is actually output from the
electroluminescent device 1. Specifically, a curve L1 represents
the emission spectrum, a curve L2 represents the transmission
spectrum, and a curve L3 represents the output spectrum. The
transmission spectrum (L2) and the output spectrum (L3) correspond
to a case where the output angle .theta. of light in the light
output direction D1 is 0.degree.. As shown in FIG. 4, the output
spectrum (L3) is determined from a product of the emission spectrum
(L1) and the transmission spectrum (L2).
[0036] The ordinate axis in the graph shown in FIG. 4 represents
light transmittance for the curve L2 (transmission spectrum), and
light intensity for the curve L1 (emission spectrum) and the curve
L3 (output spectrum). The same applies to FIGS. 5 and 11.
[0037] As mentioned above, although the emission spectrum (L1) is
not dependent on the output angle .theta., the transmission
spectrum (L2) is dependant on the output angle .theta.. Therefore,
the relationship between the emission spectrum (L1) and the
transmission spectrum (L2) varies in accordance with the output
angle .theta., and the output spectrum (L3) changes in accordance
with that relationship.
[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates relationships among the emission
spectrum, the transmission spectrum, and the output spectrum when
the output direction D1 is slanted. By comparing the spectra shown
in FIGS. 4 and 5, it is understood that the transmission spectrum
(L2) shifts towards the shorter wavelength side as the output
direction D1 becomes more slanted, thereby causing the output
spectrum (L3) of the light actually output from the optical output
part 10 to shift also to the shorter wavelength side while the
output spectrum (L3) is reduced in whole.
[0039] Furthermore, since the sensitivity of the human eye (i.e.
visibility) varies depending on the wavelength of light entering
the eye, it is necessary to take into consideration the effect of
visibility especially in a case where the electroluminescent device
1 is a type that performs multicolor light emission. FIG. 6
illustrates a visibility spectrum. The visibility spectrum in FIG.
6 has a curve in which the human-eye sensitivity is at maximum
against light of a green wavelength near 550 nm (which will simply
be referred to as "green" in this embodiment except in practical
examples), but decreases drastically against light of a red
wavelength near 620 nm (which will simply be referred to as "red"
in this embodiment except in practical examples) and light of a
blue wavelength near 450 nm (which will simply be referred to as
"blue" in this embodiment except in practical examples). Thus, when
the wavelength changes, the degree of change in visibility is
greater near the red and blue wavelengths than near the green
wavelength. The inclination angle of the visibility spectrum curve
is substantially zero near the green wavelength, is a positive
value near the blue wavelength, and is a negative value near the
red wavelength.
[0040] Consequently, referring to FIG. 4, when a plurality of
optical output parts 10 is provided in correspondence to the red,
green, and blue colors, the wavelength at which a transmission
spectrum of each optical output part 10 reaches a maximum value is
substantially aligned with the emission peak wavelength of the
corresponding color when the light may be output in the front
direction D2 of the resonator structure 9 (output angle
.theta.=0.degree.). The wavelength at which a transmission spectrum
reaches a maximum value will be referred to as "resonant peak
wavelength" hereinafter. However, even so, as the output angle
.theta. increases, the transmission spectrum shifts towards the
shorter wavelength side, thus causing the output spectrum to shift
towards the shorter wavelength side. As a result, referring to the
visibility spectrum shown in FIG. 6, the output spectrum
corresponding to the red light shifts in the direction in which the
visibility increases, whereas the output spectra corresponding to
the green and blue light shift in the direction in which the
visibility decreases. Thus, even if the decreasing degrees of the
output spectra corresponding to the red, green, and blue light rays
are substantially the same when the output angle .theta. increases,
the decreasing degree of the perceived intensity of the green light
ray is greater than that of the red light ray, and the decreasing
degree of the perceived intensity of the blue light ray is greater
than that of the green light ray when the output angle .theta.
increases. The perceived intensity indicates the intensity of light
that is actually perceived by an eye of a person.
[0041] FIG. 7 illustrates the degree of change in the perceived
intensities of the light rays of the corresponding colors when the
output angle .theta. changes. In FIG. 7, thin-line curves L4r, L4g,
L4b represent normalized perceived-intensity spectra of the red,
green, and blue colors, respectively, when the output angle .theta.
is 0.degree.. Each perceived-intensity spectrum is determined from
a product of the corresponding output spectrum and the
corresponding visibility spectrum. Each perceived-intensity
spectrum is normalized such that, for example, a maximum value of
the perceived intensity of the corresponding color is set as 1.
Moreover, thick-line curves L4r', L4g', L4b' in FIG. 7 represent
perceived-intensity spectra when the output angle .theta. is
30.degree., and are shown with reference to the perceived-intensity
spectra (L4r, L4g, L4b) when the output angle .theta. is 0.degree..
FIG. 8 illustrates relationships between the output angle .theta.
and the perceived intensities of the corresponding colors (i.e.
maximum values of the perceived-intensity spectra). In FIG. 8,
curves L5r, L5g, L5b are used to indicate the relationships between
the output angle .theta. and the perceived intensities of the light
rays of the corresponding colors that are actually output from the
optical output parts 10.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the ratio of the perceived
intensities among the colors changes significantly as the value of
the output angle .theta. increases. Therefore, if the luminescent
colors of the electroluminescent device are supposedly set with
using the output angle .theta. of 0.degree. as a standard, the
luminescent colors are subject to color shifts as the output angle
.theta. increases. Specifically, even if the ratio of the perceived
intensities among the light rays output from the optical output
parts 10 for the corresponding colors is set at the ratio by which
white light is exhibited when the output angle .theta. is
0.degree., the perceived intensity of the green light will be
relatively higher than that of the blue light, and the perceived
intensity of the red light will be relatively higher than that of
the green light as the output angle .theta. increases. Thus, the
white light will appear to be somewhat reddish.
[0043] The present inventors have invented means for reducing color
shifts, which is achieved by adjusting the relationships among the
emission spectra (L1r, L1g, L1b) of the optical output parts 10 for
the corresponding colors included in an electroluminescent
device.
[0044] (Configuration of Electroluminescent Device)
[0045] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an
electroluminescent device 21 according to a first embodiment of the
present invention. The electroluminescent device 21 is a top
emission type and includes a glass substrate 23 serving as a
transparent substrate, element portions 25 disposed on the glass
substrate 23, adjustment layers 27 disposed on the element portions
25, and a sealing film 29 extending from the top of the adjustment
layers 27 to entirely cover the element portions 25. Each of the
element portions 25 includes a first electrode 31, an organic layer
33, and a second electrode 35 disposed in that order from the glass
substrate 23. Thus, the organic layer 33 is interposed between the
first electrode 31 and the second electrode 35.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 10, in order to perform multicolor light
emission, the electroluminescent device 21 is provided with first
to third optical output parts 51r, 51g, 51b in correspondence to
red, green, and blue colors, respectively. In this case, each of
the optical output parts 51r, 51g, 51b comprises the organic layer
33 that emits light and the abovementioned resonator structure 9
(see FIGS. 1A and 1B) disposed on an optical path of the light
emitted from the organic layer 33. A detailed example and
characteristics of the resonator structure 9 are as described
above.
[0047] The organic layers 33 in the first to third optical output
parts 51r, 51g, 51b are composed of appropriate materials for
producing light rays of red, green, blue wavelengths,
respectively.
[0048] The adjustment layers 27 are provided for adjusting the
light transmission characteristics of the first to third optical
output parts 51r, 51g, 51b. Each adjustment layer 27 is given a
predetermined optical thickness (nd) that allows extraction
efficiency of light traveling through the corresponding optical
output part 51r, 51g, 51b to be large. Alternatively, there may be
a case where the adjustment layers 27 are omitted from the first to
third optical output parts 51r, 51g, 51b. The adjustment layers 27
may be formed by, for example, vapor deposition. Therefore, by
using, for example, a metal mask, the adjustment layers 27 can be
formed individually for the corresponding optical output parts 51r,
51g, 51b. As a suitable material used for forming the adjustment
layers 27, transparent organic materials, such as styrylarylene and
polysilane, or transparent inorganic materials, such as titanium
oxide and zinc sulfide, for example, are known. In particular, the
organic materials are advantageous in requiring a lower temperature
for vapor deposition, which means that the element portions 25
receive less damage from an increased temperature of the glass
substrate 23. In addition, due to requiring a lower temperature for
vapor deposition, the organic materials allow for less deformation
of the metal mask when the temperature of the metal mask is
increased, thereby preventing pattern blurring from occurring.
Furthermore, in FIG. 9, since the adjustment layer 27 of each
optical output part is disposed in contact with the second
electrode 35, the adjustment layer 27 can be formed in the same
chamber or the same vacuum used when forming the organic layer 33
and the second electrode 35. Accordingly, this allows for a
reduction in the size of a manufacturing apparatus, and contributes
to an improved tact time for the manufacturing process.
[0049] The sealing film 29 is provided for sealing the organic
layers 33, the second electrodes 35, and the like, and is disposed
so as to completely cover the region in which the element portions
25 of the electroluminescent device 21 are provided. The sealing
film 29 is composed of an insulating material having optical
transparency, such as SiNx, and commonly covers the optical output
parts 51r, 51g, 51b.
[0050] The structure of each element portion 25 will now be
described. The first electrode 31 reflects at least a portion of
the light emitted by the organic layer 33 back towards the organic
layer 33, and may be composed of a transparent, semitransparent, or
nontransparent electrode material. In order to increase the light
reflectance, however, the first electrode 31 is preferably a
semitransparent electrode or a nontransparent electrode. More
preferably, the first electrode 31 is a reflective electrode
composed of, for example, Al. The second electrode 35 may be
composed of any type of conductive material that transmits light.
In order to increase the light transmittance, however, the second
electrode 35 is preferably a semitransparent electrode or a
transparent electrode. If a nontransparent electrode material is
used, the material has high electrical conductivity and optical
characteristics for blocking most of visible light. If a
transparent electrode material is used, the material may have
relatively high electrical conductivity and optical characteristics
for transmitting a large portion of visible light. If a
semitransparent electrode material is used, the material may have
intermediate characteristics between those of transparent and
nontransparent electrode materials. Therefore, if a semitransparent
electrode material is used, the electrode will require optical
characteristics for transmitting visible light. This may be
achieved by reducing the thickness of the electrode.
[0051] A suitable material for a transparent electrode is, for
example, ITO or IZO. In this case, the transparent electrode
preferably has a thickness of 50 nm or more, and more preferably,
has a thickness within a range of 100 nm to 300 nm. A suitable
material for a nontransparent electrode is, for example, Al. In
this case, the nontransparent electrode preferably has a thickness
within a range of 100 to 300 nm. A suitable material for a
semitransparent electrode is, for example, an alkaline metal such
as Li, an alkaline earth metal such as Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba, or other
materials such as Al, Si, and Ag. In this case, the semitransparent
electrode preferably has a thickness of less than 100 nm, and more
preferably, has a thickness within a range of 5 nm to 50 nm.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 10, each organic layer 33 includes a
charge injection layer 41 for performing hole or electron
injection, a charge transport layer 43 for performing hole or
electron transport, a light-emitting layer 45 for producing
electroluminescence, a charge transport layer 47 for performing
electron or hole transport, and a charge injection layer 49 for
performing electron or hole injection. These layers are disposed in
the above order from the glass substrate 23. Although at least a
portion of each organic layer 33 is composed of an organic material
in the first embodiment, at least one of the layers 41, 43, 45, 47,
and 49 in the organic layer 33 may be composed of an inorganic
material. Alternatively, all of the layers 41, 43, 45, 47, and 49
may be composed of an inorganic material.
[0053] Furthermore, although each organic layer 33 in the first
embodiment has a five-layer structure, the layer structure of each
organic layer 33 may be arbitrarily determined in accordance with
various conditions. In other words, the layer structure may be, for
example, one of a two-layer to four-layer structures, or a
single-layer structure having only the light-emitting layer 45. For
example, the structure and material of each organic layer 33 are
determined in accordance with the reflective characteristics
(nontransparent, semitransparent, or transparent characteristics)
and the polarity (for example, anode or cathode) of the first
electrode 31 and the second electrode 35, and also in accordance
with the type of luminescent color (red, green, or blue) to be
emitted by the organic layer 33. In detail, for example, a material
such as an Alq.sub.3 emits green light as well as having high
electron transportability. Therefore, the element portion 25 for
emitting green light may have its light-emitting layer and electron
transport layers formed of a single material, such as Alq3.
Furthermore, when transparent electrodes are used, the electron
injection layers are generally formed of metal. The first
electrodes 31, the second electrodes 35, and the organic layers 33
are formed by a commonly known thin-film formation technique, such
as vapor deposition. On the other hand, the sealing film 29 is also
formed by a commonly known thin-film formation technique, such as
chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and vapor deposition.
[0054] (Color-Shift Prevention)
[0055] Means for reducing color shifts in the electroluminescent
device 21 according to this embodiment will now be described. FIG.
11 illustrates relationships between emission spectra (L1r, L1g,
L1b) and transmission spectra (L2r, L2g, L2b) of the corresponding
colors in the electroluminescent device 21 shown in FIG. 9. As
shown in FIG. 11, in this embodiment, the transmission spectra
(L2r, L2g, L2b) of the resonator structures 9 in the optical output
parts 51r, 51g, 51b reach maximum values at resonant peak
wavelengths .lamda.2r, .lamda.2g, .lamda.2b, respectively. The
resonant peak wavelengths .lamda.2r, .lamda.2g, .lamda.2b are set
substantially equal to emission peak wavelengths .lamda.1r,
.lamda.1g, .lamda.1b at which the emission spectra (L1r, L1g, L1b)
of the optical output parts 51r, 51g, 51b are at maximum intensity
values, or may be set less than the emission peak wavelengths
.lamda.1r, .lamda.1g, .lamda.1b.
[0056] The phrase "the resonant peak wavelengths .lamda.2r,
.lamda.2g, .lamda.2b are set substantially equal to the emission
peak wavelengths .lamda.1r, .lamda.1g, .lamda.1b " means that the
emission peak wavelengths .lamda.1r, .lamda.1g, .lamda.1b are
within respective wavelength ranges Br, Bg, Bb of the transmission
spectra (L2r, L2g, L2b) that correspond to 95% or more of the
maximum values of the transmission spectra (L2r, L2g, L2b) in the
optical output parts 51r, 51g, 51b, as shown in FIG. 11. On the
other hand, the phrase"the resonant peak wavelengths .lamda.2r,
.lamda.2g, .lamda.2b are set less than the emission peak
wavelengths .lamda.1r, .lamda.1g, .lamda.1b" means that the
emission peak wavelengths .lamda.1r, .lamda.1g, .lamda.1b are
shifted towards the shorter wavelength side from the ranges Br, Bg,
Bb.
[0057] Accordingly, by setting the resonant peak wavelengths
.lamda.2r, .lamda.2g, .lamda.2b substantially equal to the
respective emission peak wavelengths .lamda.1r, .lamda.1g,
.lamda.1b, attenuation fluctuation of the output spectra, which are
products of the emission spectra (L1r, L1g, L1b) and the
transmission spectra (L2r, L2g, L2b), respectively, is reduced even
when the value of the output angle .theta. increases.
[0058] Furthermore, referring to FIG. 12, in this embodiment, the
widths Wr, Wg, Wb of the emission spectra (L1r, L1g, L1b) at which
the intensities of the emission spectra (L1r, L1g, L1b) of the
optical output parts 51r, 51g, 51b are at 50% (half width) satisfy
the following relationship: Wr<Wg<Wb. In other words, the
half width Wg of the emission spectrum (L1g) corresponding to the
green color is set wider than the half width Wr of the emission
spectrum (L1r) corresponding to the red color, and the half width
Wb of the emission spectrum (L1b) corresponding to the blue color
is set wider than the half width Wg of the emission spectrum (L1g)
corresponding to the green color.
[0059] By setting the magnitude relationship of the half widths Wr,
Wg, Wb of the respective emission spectra (L1r, L1g, L1b) as above,
the decreasing degrees of the output intensities of the light rays
actually output from the optical output parts 51r, 51g, 51b can be
suppressed more for optical output parts whose decreasing degrees
of visibility are larger when the value of the output angle .theta.
increases, thereby causing the transmission spectra (L2r, L2g, L2b)
of the corresponding resonator structures 9 in the optical output
parts 51r, 51g, 51b to shift towards the shorter wavelength side.
Accordingly, this enables less variation among the decreasing
degrees of the perceived intensities of the corresponding colors
when the output angle .theta. increases, thereby achieving less
color shifting.
[0060] Elements constituting the resonator structures 9, which will
be referred to as "resonator-structure elements" hereinafter,
basically may include any layers and components that are within a
region through which light passes. In detail, in a case where the
electroluminescent device 21 is a top emission type, the light
emitted from the light-emitting layers 45 are transmitted through
the sealing film 29 before being eventually output outward.
Therefore, the resonator-structure elements include, for example,
the layers interposed between the electrodes 31 and 35, the
adjustment layers 27, and the sealing film 29. In other words, the
resonator structures 9 are a combination of these elements. In this
case, the resonator-structure elements that are interposed between
the electrodes 31 and 35 have the most significant effect on the
characteristics of the entire resonator structure 9.
[0061] Each of the half widths Wr, Wg, Wb of the respective
emission spectra (L1r, L1g, L1b) is measured in the following
manner. Specifically, a section of the organic layer (or more
preferably, the light-emitting layer) in each of the optical output
parts 51r, 51g, 51b is first exposed by etching or cutting using a
focused ion beam (FIB). Then, the exposed section is irradiated
with ultraviolet light so as to measure a photoluminescence
spectrum with using the front direction D2 as a standard. The
ultraviolet light is preferably emitted from a xenon lamp.
Moreover, the ultraviolet light has a wavelength that corresponds
to an absorption peak wavelength of the light-emitting layer. If
such absorption peak wavelength is difficult to determine, the
measurement may be implemented by emitting ultraviolet light having
a 365-nm wavelength.
[0062] Furthermore, if it is difficult to measure a
photoluminescence spectrum, the half widths Wr, Wg, Wb may
alternatively be determined in the following manner. First, the
optical output parts 51r, 51g, 51b are turned on to exhibit the
maximum brightness, and the output spectra thereof with using the
front direction D2 as a standard are measured. Next, the
transmission spectra are determined from the resonator structures
of the optical output parts 51r, 51g, 51b. Subsequently, the output
spectra are divided by the transmission spectra so as to determine
the emission spectra (L1r, L1g, L1b) of the optical output parts
51r, 51g, 51b. Finally, widths of the determined emission spectra
(L1r, L1g, L1b) at positions corresponding to 50% of the maximum
values thereof are determined as the half widths Wr, Wg, Wb.
[0063] The half widths Wr, Wg, Wb of the respective emission
spectra (L1r, L1g, L1b) of the optical output parts 51r, 51g, 51b
may be adjusted in the following manner. For example, the
adjustment may be implemented on the basis of a dopant contained in
each of the light-emitting layers 45. In other words, the
adjustment may be implemented by changing the type of dopant, or
changing the percentage of a dopant mixed in the light-emitting
layer 45, or changing the combination of dopants, or changing the
number of types of dopants to be combined. For example, by using a
combination of two types of dopants that emit blue light rays of
slightly different wavelengths, the half width Wb of the emission
spectrum (L1b) corresponding to the blue color can be broadened. In
this case, the two types of dopants may be mixed in a single
light-emitting layer 45, or the light-emitting layer 45 may have a
two-layer structure such that each of the two layers contains a
type of a dopant different from that contained in the other. As a
further alternative, one of the two types of dopants may be
contained in the light-emitting layer 45, and the other type may be
mixed in the charge transport layer 43 or 47 so as to allow the
charge transport layer 43 or 47 to emit light.
[0064] FIG. 13 illustrates the degree of change in
perceived-intensity spectra of the corresponding colors when the
output angle .theta. changes in the electroluminescent device 21
according to this embodiment. The perceived-intensity spectra (L4r,
L4g, L4b) in FIG. 13 are normalized in the same manner as in FIG.
7. In FIG. 13, thin-line curves L4r, L4g, L4b represent the
perceived-intensity spectra of the corresponding colors when the
output angle .theta. is 0.degree.. On the other hand, thick-line
curves L4r', L4g', L4b' show the perceived-intensity spectra when
the output angle .theta. increases from 0.degree. to a specific
value (30.degree.). Furthermore, FIG. 14 illustrates relationships
between the output angle .theta. and the perceived intensities of
the corresponding colors in the electroluminescent device 21
according to this embodiment. In FIG. 14, curves L5r, L5g, L5b are
used to indicate the relationships between the output angle .theta.
and the perceived intensities of the light rays of the
corresponding colors that are actually output from the optical
output parts 51r, 51g, 51b.
[0065] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, even when the perceived
intensities of the light rays of the corresponding colors change in
response to a change in the output angle .theta., the fluctuation
in the ratio of the perceived intensities among the colors is
suppressed, as compared with the typical art. Consequently, color
shifting is effectively reduced.
[0066] As described above, in this embodiment, the half widths Wr,
Wg, Wb of the emission spectra (L1r, L1g, L1b) of the corresponding
colors have the relationship, Wr<Wg<Wb. Thus, when the
viewing direction becomes slanted with respect to the front
direction D2, the decreasing degrees of the output intensities of
the light rays actually output from the optical output parts 51r,
51g, 51b can be suppressed more for optical output parts whose
decreasing degrees of visibility are larger when the wavelengths
are shifted towards the shorter wavelength side. Accordingly, this
enables less variation among the decreasing degrees of the
perceived intensities of the corresponding colors when the viewing
direction becomes slanted, thereby achieving less color shifts in
the luminescent colors.
[0067] By setting the relationship between the emission spectra
(L1r, L1g, L1b) and the transmission spectra (L2r, L2g, L2b) as
above, attenuation fluctuation in the output spectra, which are
products of the emission spectra (Lir, L1g, L1b) and the
transmission spectra (L2r, L2g, L2b), respectively, is further
reduced when the output angle .theta. increases from 0.degree..
Consequently, this enables less color shifting of the luminescent
colors when the viewing direction changes.
[0068] Furthermore, by setting the widths of the emission spectra
(L1r, L1g, L1b) on the basis of the half widths Wr, Wg, Wb, the
relationship among the widths of the emission spectra (L1r, L1g,
L1b) can be set while properly reflecting on the patterns of the
emission spectra (L1r, L1g, L1b). For example, FIG. 15 shows
emission spectra (L1r, L1g, L1b) having secondary peaks, which have
an effect on the corresponding luminescent colors. Even in this
case, the widths of the emission spectra (L1r, L1g, L1b) can be
determined while additionally taking into consideration the effect
of the secondary peaks.
MODIFIED EMBODIMENT
[0069] Although the above embodiment is directed to the
electroluminescent device 21 of a top emission type, the present
invention is readily applicable to an electroluminescent device of
a bottom emission type which outputs light via a glass substrate
23, as shown in FIG. 16. In the bottom emission type, each of the
adjustment layers 27 may be disposed between the glass substrate 23
and the corresponding first electrode 31.
[0070] In this case, if each of the resonator structures 9 is to
include other elements in addition to those interposed between the
electrodes 31 and 35, the additional elements may be layers and
components through which the light emitted from the light-emitting
layer passes before being output outward. For example, each
resonator structure may be defined by a region between a surface of
the corresponding adjustment layer 27 proximate to the glass
substrate 23 and a surface thereof opposite to the glass substrate
23, and a surface of the glass substrate 23 proximate to the
corresponding element portion 25 and a surface thereof opposite to
the element portion 25. In an electroluminescent device of a bottom
emission type, it is not necessary to take into consideration the
effect of the sealing film 29.
FIRST PRACTICAL EXAMPLE
[0071] In a first practical example, an organic electroluminescent
element that emits blue light is fabricated. The organic
electroluminescent element includes an anode, a hole transport
layer, a first light-emitting layer, a second light-emitting layer,
an electron injection layer, and a cathode, which are stacked in
that order. The layers have the following configuration. [0072] (a)
Anode: [0073] Material: aluminum [0074] Thickness: 300 nm [0075]
(b) Hole transport layer: [0076] Material: NPB [0077] Thickness: 50
nm [0078] (c) First light-emitting layer: [0079] Host material:
SDPVBi [0080] Host thickness: 10 nm [0081] Dopant material:
Zn(BIZ).sub.2 [0082] Volume concentration of dopant material with
respect to host material: 2.0% [0083] (d) Second light-emitting
layer: [0084] Host material: SDPVBi [0085] Host thickness: 10 nm
[0086] Dopant material: Zn(BIZ).sub.2 [0087] Volume concentration
of dopant material with respect to host material: 0.5% [0088] (e)
Electron injection layer: [0089] Material: magnesium [0090]
Thickness: 10 nm [0091] (f) Cathode: [0092] Material: ITO [0093]
Thickness: 100 nm
[0094] According to the first practical example, an emission
spectrum of the second light-emitting layer has an emission peak
wavelength at 440 nm and a half width of 51 nm. An emission
spectrum of the first light-emitting layer has an emission peak
wavelength at 445 nm. As a result, since the two light-emitting
layers both emit light, the half width of the output spectrum in
the first practical example is 55 nm.
SECOND PRACTICAL EXAMPLE
[0095] In a second practical example, an organic electroluminescent
element that emits blue light is fabricated. The organic
electroluminescent element includes an anode, a hole transport
layer, a light-emitting layer, an electron injection layer, and a
cathode, which are stacked in that order. The layers have the
following configuration. [0096] (a) Anode: [0097] Material:
aluminum [0098] Thickness: 300 nm [0099] (b) Hole transport layer:
[0100] Material: NPB [0101] Thickness: 50 nm [0102] (c)
Light-emitting layer: [0103] Host material: SDPVBi [0104] Host
thickness: 20 nm [0105] First dopant material: Zn(PhPy).sub.2
[0106] Volume concentration of first dopant material with respect
to host material: 0.5% [0107] Second dopant material: Zn(BIZ).sub.2
[0108] Volume concentration of second dopant material with respect
to host material: 0.5% [0109] (d) Electron injection layer: [0110]
Material: magnesium [0111] Thickness: 10 nm [0112] (e) Cathode:
[0113] Material: ITO [0114] Thickness: 100 nm
[0115] In a light-emitting layer having its host material doped
with the first dopant material at the above concentration, an
emission spectrum had an emission peak wavelength at 460 nm and a
half width of 56 nm. In a light-emitting layer having its host
material doped with the second dopant material at the above
concentration, an emission spectrum had an emission peak wavelength
at 440 nm and a half width of 51 nm. In the light-emitting layer of
the second practical example which has its host material doped with
the first and second dopant materials at the above concentrations,
the half width is increased to 70 nm.
THIRD PRACTICAL EXAMPLE
[0116] In a third practical example, organic electroluminescent
elements that emit red, green, and blue light is fabricated. Each
organic electroluminescent element includes an anode, a hole
transport layer, a light-emitting layer, an electron injection
layer, and a cathode, which are stacked in that order. The layers
have the following configuration. [0117] (a) Anode: [0118]
Material: aluminum (R, G, B) [0119] Thickness: 300 nm (R, G, B)
[0120] (b) Hole transport layer: [0121] Material: NPB (R, G, B)
[0122] Thickness: 70 nm (R), 50 nm (G, B) [0123] (c) Light-emitting
layer: [0124] Host material: Alq3 (R, G), styrylamine (B) [0125]
Host thickness: 60 nm (R), 50 nm (G), 20 nm (B) [0126] Dopant
material: Btp2Ir(acac) (R), Ir(ppy).sub.3 (G), FIrpic (B) [0127]
Volume concentration of dopant material with respect to host
material: 0.5% (R, G, B) [0128] (d) Electron injection layer:
[0129] Material: magnesium (R, G, B) [0130] Thickness: 10 nm (R, G,
B) [0131] (e) Cathode: [0132] Material: ITO (R, G, B) [0133]
Thickness: 100 nm (R, G, B)
[0134] In the third practical example, the emission spectra have
emission peak wavelengths at 615 nm for the red color, 510 nm for
the green color, and 470 nm for the blue color. Referring to FIG.
6, the inclination-angle relationships among the red color at 615
nm, the green color at 510 nm, and the blue color at 470 nm in the
visibility spectrum curve are as follows: red<blue<green.
Therefore, in order to reduce color shifts caused by a change in
the viewing direction, the half widths must satisfy the magnitude
relationship: red<blue<green. After measuring the half widths
in the third practical example, the following half width values
were obtained: 36 nm for the red color, 55 nm for the blue color,
and 65 nm for the green color. This proves that color shifts are
reduced.
* * * * *